Lactarius paradoxus
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| Lactarius paradoxus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Russulales |
| Family: | Russulaceae |
| Genus: | Lactarius |
| Species: | L. paradoxus |
| Binomial name | |
| Lactarius paradoxus | |
Lactarius paradoxus is a North American member of the large milk-cap genus, Lactarius, in the order Russulales. The mushroom is blue-green to gray, staining green and bleeding red latex. It is edible but becomes bitter with age.
The species was first described in 1940.[1]
Description
The cap is blue-green to gray and 4–8 centimetres (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄4 in) wide. The stipe is 1.5–3.5 cm (1⁄2–1+1⁄2 in) long and up to 1.3 cm wide.[2]
When damaged, the mushroom stains green[2] and bleeds dark red latex.[3] The flesh is bluish white, odorless, and mild tasting to slightly bitter.[2] The spore print is light yellowish.[3]
Caps
Undersides
Similar species
Lactarius indigo looks similar, but with a blue latex.[2] Lactarius rubrilacteus has a reddish latex and does not appear blue.[2] Additionally, L. chelidonium and L. subpurpureus are similar.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Fruiting from early fall to late winter, the species is found in the southern and eastern United States.[2] It appears in grass and under pines.[3] It is mycorrhizal with pine and oak.[citation needed]
